Armoured Mist Frog
Litoria lorica
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 13/07/2017
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 13/04/2021
Population trend: Stable
Other names: Little Waterfall Frog
Priority Species? No
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Armoured Mist Frog is a rainforest species which is endemic to the Wet Tropics bioregion of north-east Queensland. The population is restricted to 4km of fast flowing steam habitat with the total population size in 2014 estimated at 600 - 1000. They inhabit rocky sections in the splash zones of waterfalls and rainforest streams and may be found in rocks and crevices and it is one of a small number of frogs in the world that live entirely on waterfalls. This species seems to be persisting bettin in hotter and drier environments than in cooler, wetter core rainforest areas. In 2023, 50 frogs were successfully translocated to a new site in the Wet Tropics to establish a subpopulation with a further 50 frogs to be added in 2024 to support the new population.
Threats
Quollity Conservation Hub's Overall Priority Score
50
Average life span:
Unknown
Number of young produced each year:
100 - 500
Number of breeding events each year:
Unknown
Minimum sexual maturity age:
Unknown
Who is helping
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database
The Armoured Mist Frog has experiences substantial range contractions and population decline between 1988 and 1994. The species have low reproduction rates with their decline believed to be due to the chytrid fungus.